Since this is the year I won't be doing any sew-alongs, I thought I would share the second block I am not making. This sew-along is the annual Riley Blake Designs Challenge. They host it every year and the blocks are all designed by their in-house designers. As a matter of fact, all the free patterns from their past annual RBD Challenges are still available on their website. It's a great resource.
The first block in the 2025 Challenge was by Lori Holt and this second block is by Bev McCullough. The instructions are perfect and both these blocks came out dead on 10 1/2" square. The other nice thing about this sew-along is that they show you the final setting they have in mind for the blocks, which isn't all that common. Usually, these types of sew-alongs are mysteries, which are not everyone's cup of tea. I personally like to see what the final result is so I don't waste time and fabric on a project I won't love at the end. (FQS Designer Mystery 2024 I am talking to you).
Do you have a ton of fabric on hand in your stash from a favorite designer? Most of the time, you will find that the fabric from various collections by the same designer coordinates perfectly and makes fabulous scrap quilts. I have a bin full of Lori Holt fabric, and I swear I am not buying anymore of her stuff until I make a dent in what I already have.
There is a great FaceBook site where folks who are doing the sew-along share photos of their blocks. People are all over the place with the colors and fabrics they are using, so it is fun to see what is going on. There is also a weekly YouTube tutorial on how to construct the blocks, with loads of helpful tips.
So, if you are interested in not participating in another sew-along, this might be a great option for you…
9 Responses
Mystery quilt-alongs are not appealing to me either. I don’t even do those from designers whose mystery quilts I’ve seen in the past which are great. It’s too much time, fabric, and work to make a quilt I don’t like for one reason or another or one which uses a process I’m not fond of. Your blocks with the Lori Holt fabrics are fabulous! Those colors look wonderful together! I am glad you mentioned your Lori Holt fabric stash. I think I have a bin full, too, and I should get busy and use them!
Wait … So you really didn’t sew those blocks?? I don’t like mystery SAL’s either. I barely have time to do the quilts I want to sew!!😊 Hoping all is well at your house. Archie settling in with the new norm ok?❤️
Oh- It’s RBD day today. I’ll just peek and see what’s happening😄. Or is today the catch-up day and I’ll be in the sewing room anyway?
Those blocks that you’re not making are sure cute! That’s a good example of ‘shopping your stash’ for fabric in case anyone else is not doing the sew-along. It’s nice to see that you’re finding some time to do what you love! 🧵✂️
Thank you for a much needed laugh this morning. Xox I have one I am thinking of not doing. It’s Lori Holt Vintage Christmas. I may just go ahead and not do it. You know.
Hanging my head in shame for the FQS Designer mystery. They lost me when you had to buy finishing kits which were just as expensive and as much work as the quilt. And then a pieced backing that is as expensive and as much work as the quilt. No mysteries for me.
love the title of this post!
Oh, I could so identify with the bin of Lori Holt fabrics! They have to be used before I add anymore! They are so pretty and perky! They have called my name way too many times in quilt shops!
I do love making blocks just on a whim because I can’t settle on a project and need a challenge. It is the scattered approach ( think a crow and shiny objects mentality for a visual). Add the padded idea that this is a hobby and entertainment In retirement. So a logical path from start to finish is not a direct line or timely at my house.
However, mystery quilt projects are too much time and fabric without satisfaction until the end and only if you have a wide range of what is pretty, I am picky and like details so is not fun. The only fun is if you cheat and wait to see what the finish is before you start….so it isn’t really a mystery!
Love your two blocks! What a great way to use up some stash while not having to pay for a pattern!